Today in the Legislature, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller asked the government to meet with representatives from Lofthouse Brass, a company that employs 130 people in the community of Burk’s Falls and the surrounding area. The company, which manufactures brass and aluminum fittings, is currently under bankruptcy protection. Miller asked the government to act so that potential buyers will guarantee jobs for Burk’s Falls
Watch the Video

For Immediate Release
May 8, 2008

MPP Miller, PC Caucus Stand up for Families in Mattawa
Liberals turn blind eye as local plant shuts down

(Queen’s Park) Parry Sound - Muskoka MPP Norm Miller stood up for the 52 families in Mattawa impacted by the shut down announced today at Tembec. Company officials say the plant in Mattawa will close at the end of June for a minimum of 10 weeks, affecting 52 employees.

“Apparently, Mr. McGuinty is too busy ‘leading’ the province on issues like the Lord’s Prayer and what time Question Period starts to notice that the economy of the North and indeed the whole province is in trouble,” said Miller.

Miller also spoke up for workers who recently lost their jobs at Dyno Nobel in North Bay, calling on the local member and the Liberal government to take action to help the forestry and manufacturing sectors.

“I don’t know how much worse things have to get before we see some action from the McGuinty Liberals,” said Miller.

To view Norm’s comments, follow the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukRjSOoxtAg

A full Hansard transcript follows:

ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOREST INDUSTRY

Mr. Norm Miller: I rise today to speak for the 52 families that recently learned that their lives are on hold after yet another shutdown in the forestry sector. These families in the great town of Mattawa are left to wonder how many jobs have to be lost before the McGuinty government decides that the economy of forestry and northern Ontario are in trouble.
Unfortunately, this government has made it perfectly clear that they are unwilling to stand up for the forestry sector and the north. Liberal cabinet ministers routinely say things like forestry has “turned the corner,” and the province has gotten off “scot-free” from the forestry crisis. But despite these assessments, Mattawa and the north are still struggling.
We simple do not hear from this government any more when it companies to the forestry sector. Nor do we hear from the local member, the Minister of Revenue, when her riding is being hammered by job losses. Last month it was Dyno Nobel in North Bay who, according to the North Bay Nugget, “slashed its workforce, leaving only 14 employees on the payroll.” This month it is Tembec, a huge employer in the north, laying 52 people off in Mattawa.
It is time that the local member stood up for her riding and it is time her government took real action to help our forestry and manufacturing sectors. It’s clear to everyone but this government that they simply do not have a plan for Ontario’s struggling economy. Cut red tape, lower taxes and put in place a real energy plan. That is what Ontarians and families in the north and Mattawa deserve.


Watch the Video

For Immediate Release
May 5, 2008

Miller speaks up for Lofthouse Brass jobs

(Queen’s Park) Today in the Legislature, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller asked the government to meet with representatives from Lofthouse Brass, a company that employs 130 people in the community of Burk’s Falls and the surrounding area. The company, which manufactures brass and aluminum fittings, is currently under bankruptcy protection. Miller asked the government to act so that potential buyers will guarantee jobs for Burk’s Falls.
Despite struggling with the rising Canadian dollar and a slowing US housing market, Lofthouse Brass continues to bring in orders and even hire new employees. What sets them apart is the high quality of the work being done in Burk’s Falls. Their only competition comes from a facility in Italy.
“Keeping these jobs in Burk’s Falls is a major concern,” said Miller. “Employee wages and benefits bring over $8.5 million dollars each year to the local economy. That is huge for our region.”
“I am very encouraged that Minister Gravelle is willing to be helpful. I will be working with the government to ensure that whoever purchases Lofthouse Brass can continue to do business in Burk’s Falls,” said Miller.

To view Norm Miller’s statement click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_0nOaICoEM

A copy of the Hansard transcript follows:

ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
ORAL QUESTION

MINING INDUSTRY
Mr. Norm Miller: I have a question for the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Lofthouse brass, a Burk’s Falls company in my riding of Parry Sound–Muskoka employing 130 workers for the manufacturer of brass and aluminium fittings and parts is under bankruptcy protection. The company is currently up for sale and has a number of interested purchasers. Please note that the company has plenty of business for its Burk’s Falls plant, but because of other issues, it’s up for sale. There are a number of interested purchasers who are looking at the company. Some want to maintain the company; others are just planning to liquidate the assets of the company.
I have a simple question for you. What will the Ontario government do to assist purchasers who will maintain the operations and these very important 130 jobs in Burk’s Falls?
Hon. Michael Gravelle: Thank you for the question from the member for Parry Sound–Muskoka. I’m not familiar with the circumstances. This is obviously information I didn’t have earlier, so I appreciate the opportunity, and perhaps we can get an opportunity to speak about this situation later on in the House. I’ll do my best to work with you and see what we can do in terms of helping the company.
Mr. Norm Miller: Thank you to the minister for that response. I cannot emphasize enough how important these jobs are in Burk’s Falls and the east Parry Sound area. This is an area that does not have a lot of industry and I’m surprised to hear the government members heckling this very important question. This is an area that does not have a lot of industry. The company’s wages and benefits total some $8.5 million annually, which is very significant to the Burk’s Falls area.
Minister, I would ask of you, would you agree to meet with representatives of Lock House brass and to assist in maintaining these important jobs in the Burk’s Falls area?
Hon. Michael Gravelle: I thank the member. We’re certainly very conscious of the significance of any job losses. We’re very proud of, for example what the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund has been able to do in terms of job creation and job retention in northern Ontario, but indeed I look forward to speaking with member after question period. Perhaps we can set up a convenient time to have a further discussion about this.


Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound - Muskoka says the Liberal's proposed changes to the Standing Orders will dimish the importance of Question Period.
Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound - Muskoka asks government to provide relief for thousands of Ontario convenience store operators by extending the deadline for the new tobacco display ban beyond May 31st.
Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound - Muskoka recognizes Dr. John Digby as recipient for the 2008 Volunteer of the Year, by Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound - Muskoka participates in debate on Red Tape and Regulatory Review Act, 2008, PC MPP Randy Hillier's Bill 57
Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound - Muskoka asks for more assistance from Service Ontario to help Rowanwood Retirement Residence recover after disasterous fire
Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, asks the government for more assistance to help convenience store operators comply with tobacco display deadlines.
Watch the Video

Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, congratulates the Region of Muskoka for being awarded the 2010 Ontario Winter Games.

Watch the Video